It’s been a long time since I reached out. Not from lack of interest in maintaining contact, but rather because I’m been focused on re-potting, re-tooling, re-energizing and just making it through the economy! Yes, the Job Finding Expert had to do her own work-search.

Much has changed, and much is still the same.

I’m still doing executive search and IT consulting, and have added project management sales to the mix with the new company I joined.

So my interests have broadened. From my work with career and employment related issues, I’ve been immersed in exploring the most conscious, leading edge companies in the country. I’m determined to find out what it takes to work in them and share it with you. I want us to learn what these companies are doing in their cultures that made them, and KEEPS them, “Leading Edge”.

So what does it take to work for the best companies in the country? What kinds of skills do you need? What does it take to get hired and what does it take to succeed?

I’m proud to say that one of the things I’ve been doing is working on a new Reality Show Pilot, entitled, “So What’s It Take To Work There?”, to find answers to that question.

If you have a few moments, check out the sizzle reel. Our first subject was Zappos, the great internet shoe retailer based in Henderson, NV. We spent the day there doing interviews on what it takes to get a job and work for one of the best companies in the country. It’s been very well received and I’m proud of our accomplishment. It’s lots of fun and I’m SO HAPPY to share it with you. Wait till you see the Zappos work environment.

For every $10 thousand you’d like to earn, it can take up to a month of search. Whether planning a lateral career move, a transition to the next level of the professional ladder, or finding your first job out of college, the band-width and quality of your network will make the difference in how long your search will take and how close your new position will match the job of your dreams.

In building a maintaining a professional network, relationships will always set you apart from your competition. Expand your professional network by joining industry specific organizations, as well as special interest groups.
The holidays are an outstanding time to connect with friends and potential employers. There are holiday events in every industry. Allow the luck factor of being in the right place at the right time.

According to recent articles, some companies are not hiring unemployed candidates.

“WASHINGTON If you lose your job these days, it’s worth scrambling to find a new one fast. After six months of unemployment, your chances of landing work dwindle.

“The proportion of people jobless for six months or more has accelerated in the past year and now makes up 46 percent of the unemployed. That’s the highest percentage on records dating to 1948. By late summer or early fall, they are expected to make up half of all jobless Americans.

“Economists say those out of work for six months or more risk becoming less and less employable. Their skills can erode, their confidence falter, their contacts dry up.”

Not hiring an unemployed candidate is not illegal, but a form of silent prejudice, just as insidious as age or sex discrimination, or choosing not to hire a candidate with a disability who is capable of doing the job. The point of the interview process and reference checks is to determine a candidate’s ability to perform in a position.

It could be that some companies are so inundated with candidates for any given opening that “current employment” is now another qualification weeding tool, along with college degree and on target salary.

Considering it can take a month (or more) of job search for every $10,000 you’d like to earn, what should you do to show current activity on your résumé if you’re unemployed or a recent college graduate?

The key is to justify time out of the traditional work force at the top of your résumé under Professional Experience. This can include:

Consulting, contract, or temporary projects

Your own business. Regardless of the ultimate financial success of the business, you will gain a multitude of new skills and experiences.

Volunteer work. Every professional association seeks volunteers. Raise your hand and show up to make new connections in your industry.

Highlighting time for travel, elder or child care, or other personal concerns.